Chapter 7, Computing Comfort And Safety - @Xi Computer Corporation Mtower User Manual

Xi® MTower™ - NTower™ - NetRAIDer™
Chapter 7
Computing Comfort and
7
Safety
With the increasing popularity of computers and computer-related work, time
spent in front of computers will undoubtedly continue to increase. Evidence
suggests that office work involving computers causes more visual and muscular
complaints than office work that does not involve computers. As a result, the more
we use computers, the more computer-related discomforts we can expect to
encounter.
These ergonomic problems can include eyestrain, visual impairment,
musculoskeletal discomforts, and stress symptoms. Computer use can place strain
on your eyes, fingers, wrists, arms, neck, back, and feet. Additionally computers
can sometimes cause mental and emotional stress such as psychosomatic distress,
job dissatisfaction, job-related anxiety, job tension, and even depression.
The most effective way to deal with computer-related injuries is to prevent them
from happening. It makes good sense to examine your work area and then identify
and correct problem areas that can lead to injury. Many of these changes can be
achieved easily and with little or no cost. For example, using a correct chair,
proper lighting, suitable elevations, and the practice of easy keyboard and mouse
maneuvers can be implemented at little or no expense.
Take frequent, short breaks while you are entering text and data. At least once an
hour, stop what you are doing and get up to stretch your body, arms, and legs. To
give your eyes a rest, look away from the screen every five minutes or so and stare
into the distance. And of course, do not continue working if you are in pain.
This chapter describes prudent practices to follow to make your work environment
more ergonomic and reduce your chance of suffering computer-related discomfort.
The information presented here is not intended as medical advice. Rather, it offers
suggestions for adjusting your environment to fit you, thereby creating a friendly
and healthy place to work. The chapter also includes some safety considerations.
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